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a 



WILL-O'-THE-WISP ; 

> OR 

THE SHOT IN THE DARK. 

A COMEDY DRAMA, 

IlSr THREE ACTS, 

Translated and dramatized from Alexander Dumas'' celebrated novels 

entitled ^'Mattien,^^ 

By T.^YF. HANSHEW, 

Author of The Forty Niners, The Tiger Hunter, Follie Farlne, The 

DeviVs Daughter, Ariadne, Oath Bound, Out of the Grave, 

Nana, My Uncle, Emotions, Leadville, The White 

Eat, A Wrecked Life, The Young Detective, 

Black Mask, Clique D' Or, Frozen 

Heart, &c., &c. 



With Cast of Characters, Description of Costumes, Entrances and 
Exits, Eelative position of the performers on the stage, 
and the whole of the stage business carefully 
L/ marked from the author's original 

3 / manuscript. 



Entered according to act of Congress in the year ISS^, by 

A, D. AMES, 
in the office of the Libarian of Congress, at Washington. 






I 



' CLYDEj OHIO! 

A. D. AMES, PUBLISHER. 

' ■■ AY' 




WILL-O'-THE-WISP. 



Cast of Characters as given at the first production at the National Theatre 

Coauque, Cincinnati, Ohio, under the management of Mr, 

Nat Hjams, Monday, December 18th, 1876. 



Mattien, {The Will- 0' - The- Wisp) Mr. T. W. Hanshew 

Bernard Watrin, (Honest) Mr. RoUin Howard 

Jrancois D'Lorme, (True) Mr. Walter Fletcher 

Father Guillaume, {Faithful} Mr. James Coleman 

Martin Eaison, {False^i Mr. J. D. Wood 

Louis Chollet, 'Fickle') Mr. Walter Vaughan 

Abbe Gregoire, (Pious) Mr. T. J. Haley 

Melchair, (Hungry) Mr. Geo. A. Beane 

Eobinean, (Lazy) Mr. W. Wyley 

Florine Diano, (Pure) Miss Imogene Hyams 

Dame Marienne, (Obstijiate) Miss Florence Webster 

DameThellier, [^Devoted) Mrs. Antonio 

Babet Luvois, (Loving) Miss Fannie Beane 

Gen. D^armes, peasants, etc. 



ACT I.— The Serpent on the Hearth. 

ACT II. —Deceit. 



ACT III.— Justice. 



Time about 2 hours. 



SYNOPSIS. 

ACT I. — The Serpent ©n the Hearth — Mattien the Hunchbaci-- -The mark- 
ed bullet — The letter — Revenge — Florine— The meeting of the Rivals — The 
Abbe's mission — **She ie a Heretic" — The quarrel — "Begone" — The threat 
—DRIVEN FROM HOME ! 

ACT II. — Deceit — The false message — Ghollet trapped — The revenge of 
the Will-O'-The-Wisp— Blow for Blew— Bernard— The Outcast— Mattien at 
work again — Chellet — Gold — Nine o'clock — Florine — The trap — Bernard's 
resolve — Alone — "I cannot be an assassin" — The flight — Will-O'-The-Wisp 
—The gun— THE SHOT IN THE DARK ! 

ACT III.— Justice— The offer— "I refuse"- The cry— Murder— The tale of 
Blood — Francois on the tpail — Bernard — The question — "Father, I am in- 
nocent" — Away to prison — Francois on time— The trail — The murder done 
with a marked bullet — The story— "I saw him mark it this morning" — The 
gold — Step by Step — The true story of the crime — Light ; dawning — The 
self accused assassin — The leap — The confession — Shadow of Death — Justice 
at last— HAPPY DENOUEMENT. 



WILL-0'-THE-WIBP. 



COSTUMES. 



Mattien. — Ragged blue blouse, torn so as to show bare arms. Tattered 
dark browu knee-breeches, coarse blue stockings, odd shoes, hump on back 
legs padded out of shape, the right one being dragged, {paralyzed) Com- 
plexion verv sallow, freckles on cheeks, wax (black) over front teeth in up- 
per jaw to represent them as missing. Little tuft of red hair on chin, red 
wig straggling on shoulders. Head bound up with a scarlet kerchief, which 
is knotted at back, where two turkey feathers are stuck. No hat. Collar 
of shirt torn open, showing bare bosom. Voice pitched in a falsetto key. 

Bernard. — Dark green forester's suit fringed with black, blouse with black 
belt, shot and powder pouches. Gauntlets, high boots, dark wig and mtts* 
tache. 

Francois. — Same. Light wig and beard. 

Guillaume. — Same. Grey wig and beard. 

A bbe Gregoire. — Bald wig with fringe of white hair. Blac k domino belted 

in at waist. Staff, rosary, hat, etc. 

Louis Chollet. — ACT I. — "White satin knee breeches, blue plush square-cut 
coal and vest embroidered in silver, jeweled buckles on low black shoea. 
Hat to match. ACT II. — Black velvet square-cut coat high boots, whip* 
gaunt'ets. Hat to match. 

Melchair. — Same as Bernard. 
Robinean. — Ditto. ' 

Florine. — ACT I. Jaunty dark traveling suit of the period. ACT II and 
III. — Plain white merino dress, long trail; blonde wig, etc* 

Mother Marienne. — Bright figured gown, white kerchief over shoulders^ 
grey hair, dress short, low shoes, Normandy cap, etc. 

Dame Thellier. — Same style, only black j white hair. 

Babet Luvois. — French peasant's dreaa of bright colors^ Iformandj cap^ 

etc. 

Gen. D^Armes. — Regulation dress, 
I^easants. — Ditto. 



The Will-o'-The-WisD. 



ACT I. 

SCENE FIRST.— Interior of GuiHauvie'' s coiiaqe— fourth groovea— 5 ^*^' 
Door in l. j/iat practicable.— ^re-place R. 2 e.— Window h. 2 K.—practtcable. 
Table r. with cloth, bottle, and glasses upon it— Neatly furnished tabode of a 

French villager. Two guns leaning against fire-place— one double barruea. 

Melchair discovered back of table, r. 

Melch. {gaping and stretching) ) 

I'm dying of hunger and for a drink as well, 

Which is greatest to be wished for, I can't tell. 

Its five o'clock, I'm first risen, and though by stealth, 

I'll commence the day wishing my jolly good health {drinlCB 

I've not eaten a morsel since twelve last night, 

When caught by Babet, and had such a fright, 
I thought Father Guillaume had me by the ear — 
When I saw 'twas sweet Babet, it drove away fear. 

I was at the turkey, and at once exclaimed, {extravantly 

Boil'd turkey c;ormand3 know of course, 
Is exquisite with caper sauce. 

Francois, {without D. P.) Ho I within there ; Father Guillaume ! 

Father Guillaume ! 

• Melchair. (r) I'll get "Father Guillaume," if I'mcaught near that bottle. 
{hurriedly arranges table and makes extravagant exit L. 1 B. ; 

Francois. {wit?tout) Father Guillaume, wake up, are you deaf? Open 
the door ! 

GuUU {without, E.) Coming, coming. 

Enter GuMlaume, r. 1 e, crosses to door in flat, 

Francois, {without) Good-day, Father Guillaume, open the doorj 'tis I. 
Gailt. Oh, it is you Francois? Ill open the door. 
F ancois. {without) B-r-r-row 1 It's cold. 
Guill. {opening door) There now. Come in. 

Ell ter Francois, n. p. — gun over shoulder, crosses to flre-place, and puts gun 
against flat c. Enter Melchair with fir&wood L. 1 s., crosses to flre-place, 
and fixes fire noiselessly. 

Guill. {to Melchair) Betire. 

Melchair. Oh I {exit l. 1 a. 

Guill. ISlow's the time to say a word about the boar, which to-day we 
hunt. 

Mattien throws Open window, l. 2 e., and leaps into the room, 
Francois. Well, this time 1 think we have him. 
Mattien (o.) Yes, just as you had the last ; ha ha, ha I 



WILL-O'-THE-WISP* 

^uiir^'^' 1 ^*^^^ surprised) Mattiea 1 

Mattien. Good day to you both, hal ha I ha! {waddles to Jire-plaet 
and squats by it) So, you had faim, eh ? just as you had the last? 

Francois. Oh! that was a diffierent thing, 

Guill. Where is this creature, this boar? 

Mattien. In the salt- tub probably, since Francois says he has him. (a. 

Francois. About a quarter of a mile off, iu the thicket, near the field of 
Mantant. 

Guill. Is it a strange boar or one of the old ones ? 

Francois, (l. c.) 'Tis the one, I encountered the other day ; you re- 
member, I shot him in the shoulder. The ball did not penetrate the flesh, 
but remained under the skin, in the fat. It is getting well now and begin- 
ning to itch, for he scratched himself against some of the trees, and on thera 
left some bristles and blood. 

Guill. (o.) Ah ! ray boy, I begin to think we shall have him; {rubbing 
his hands) Ah I Mattien do you hear this ? Francois could tell ua if 
a weasel crossed his path, or a squirrel ran up a tree. 

Mattien. (r) What care I if he can? What use would all this be to 
me ? You know 1 can't hit an owl at ten paces 1 

Guill. Francois, I'll stroll as far as the thicket, but will return shortly. 

{exit door in^fidt 

Music — Mattien rises, runs to d. f ., places his ear to the crack, and then at 
t satisfizd, he rises, crosses to table, a., jumps upon it raises the bottle to hit 
ips and drains it, 

Mittien. (a) And to think the stingy old hunks aerer offered lue a drop 
Francois, (l. 0. ) What are you doing there? 
Ristily Mattien springs from the table, goes to the Jire-plaee, sits beside it, and 

begins to sing. 

Francois. What are you singing for ? 

Mutien. Why, mayn't I sing? Is that against the law? If it is, Whj 
don't the Mayor say so ? 

Fra?icois. Law or no law — I can't endure it ! 

Mattiin. He! he! he I Why not? 

Francois. Because it's a bad omen, if the first thing a man sees in the 
night is a Will-o'-the-Wiap, or the first bird one hears sing in the mora- 
ing is a screech owl. 

Mattien. Do you mean to say, I sing like a screech owl ? {Francois turn$) 
Well, 1 don't care if I do. Hal ha! ha! 

Francois. Be quiet ! 

Mattien. Yes, suppose I've something to tell you, what then ? 

Francois. I haven't time to hear it. Come, do me a favor. 

Mattien A favor? He! he ! he ! 

Francois. Do you think you cannot? 

Mattien. Dunno ! Never tried. What do you want me to do? 

Francois. Hold my gun before the fire, that it may dry ; as it is WO* 
from the morning dew. 

Mattien. Bah ! 'twill not rust, nor fall to pieces. 

Francois. Do you refuse? 

Mattien. Will ru3t spoil Monsieur Francois' aim? 

Francois. No. But the inspector will be around to-day and I want it to 
look all right. Will you hold the gun? 

Mattien. No, I won't ! May I be crushed like a worm if ever I touch ft 

gun again ! •. i. • 

Francois. Well, it will be no great loss if you never do, by thespeciment 

you have given of your skill. 

Mattien. If ever I have need to make use of one for myself Monaieor 

Francois, vou shall see how I do it ! 
Francois. I don't think you'll get anything by your shooting. 



« WILL-O'-THE-WISP. 

Mattien. No, that's just it ; PatheT Guillaume wants to put me amongst 
the supernumerary game keepers for a year or two; but I don't like it, 
because I'd have to work for nothing. I'd rather go and be a seryant at 

the Mayor's. 

Francois. What, with Monsieur Raison ? 

Mattien. Isn't Monsieur Raison the Mayor? 

Francois. Of course he is, fool I 

Mattien. Oh, now you're angry ; he! he! hel 

Francois. Angry I !NotIj I was ooly thinking what would bee(Hne ot 
<dd Pierre. 

Mattien. I suppose he'll have to go away, 

Francois. He's going away is he? ** 

Mattien. I should think so, if I take his place. 

Mrancois. Why, Peirre has been in the family more than twenty years. 

Mattien. Quite right then, he should make room for others. But, haye 
you heard the news? Florine is coming back from Paris to-day. 

Francois. Who's Florine? 

Mattien. Don't you know? Why, Father Guillaume's neice to be surej 
who is just out of her time ; she has been learning to be a Paris milliner. 

Francois. Well suppose she is coming back? 

Mattien. Oh, nothing ; only I shall stay to the feast, for there's sure to 
be one to welcome home this paragon of virtue. 

Francois. Bah ! You're quite right for a footman, a mean, sneaking spy. 
Bah! I'm ashamed of you, i 

(crosses to fire place takes gun throws it over his shoulder and exit door flat 

Mattien. (solus) I'm a mean sneaking spy, am I? wait a little; the 
w6rld won't come to an end just yet! There'll be time enough for my lit- 
tle piece of revenge Monsieur Francois! I'm an ugly screech-owl am I? 
Wait a little, wait a little ! ha I ha ! ha 1 

Enter Bernard^ door e, 1 K., crosses L. 

Bernard, (l.) Didn't I hear the voice of Francoie? 

Mattien. (r.) He was here, but becoming tired of waiting for you, went 
away. (goes to b. 

Bernard. It does not signify, we shall meet in the course of the day. 

(takes two bullets from pouch by his side, also two wads 

Mattien. I see you still use the punched out leather for wadding ? 

Bernard. Yes, I find they press the balls down more evenly. Where's 
my knife, I can't find it. 

Mattien. Will mine do? 

Bernard. Yes, give it to me, and my gun too. 

Points to ^re-place, Mattien gives knife, takes double barreled gun from corner 
and gives it to Bernard, who cuts a cross on each ball and drops one into each 
barrel of the gun. 

Mattien. What did you do to the balls? 

Bernard. I marked them with a cross, so that I should know them. 
When they are several to shoot at a boar, it's well to know who hit him. * 

(goes up toward, ©: f. 

Mattien. Monsieur Bernard, do not go yet. 

Bernard, (pausing) And why not? 

Mattien. I've got just one little question to ask you. Is it true the won- 
der of the world is coming to-day ? 

Bernard. Whom do you mean ? 

Mattien. Why, Florine, to be sure. (Bernard strikes Mattien, who falls 
R. c.) Why, what is the matter with you this morning, Monsieur Bern- 
ard ? 

Bernard. Youn^ will-o'-the-wisp, I want to impress on your mind that 
you are never to pronounce that name without the respect everybody has 
or it, beginniijg v^ith me! 



WILL-O'-THE-WISP. 7 

Mattien. (rising) Ah I if you only knew what there is in this paper, you 

would be sorry you struck me. 

Bernard. In what paper ? 

Mattien. [showing letter] This one. 

Bernard, [snatches the letter and reads] **To Mademoiselle Florine Di- 
ano, Number 15, Rue Victoire, Paris." [breaks the seal and unfolds letter 

Mattien. You see Monsieur Bernard, when I took this out of Pierre's 
pocket, I said to myself, 'this will open the eyes of Monsieur Bernard to the 
tricks of the Parisian, and at the same time I can make Pierre lose hia 
place because he lost the letter' — for you see he was such a fool, that in- 
stead of saying he put the letter in the post, he told them he had lost it. 
Kow you see, had he said he had posted it, the Parisian wouldn't have 
written another, nor Mademoiselle Florine have answered it. 

Bernard. Do you mean to say that Florine has answered this infernal 
Parisian ? 

Mattien. Well, I didn't positively say that. 

Bernard. What do you mean to say, then ? 

Mattien. I mean that Mademoiselle Florine is a woman, and all 
daughters of Eve are liable to temptation. 

Bernard. I ask you again if you are positive Florine has answered the 
Parisian ? 

Mattien. Perhaps she has, and perhaps she hasn't. But then you 
know, silence gives consent. 

Bernard. Mattien, Mattien ! beware! 

Mattien. Well, at any rate he left in his tillbury to meet her. 

Bernard, [quickly] Is he gone? 

Mattien. How can I tell, when I slept all night in the bake-house ? 
Would you like to be sure of it? 

Bernard. Of course I should. 

Mattien. Ask the first person you meet if he has seen Louis Chollet 
going toward Gondreville, and he will tell you, yes. 

Bernard. Ah, then he is gone. 

Mattien. Well you know I'm only a fool, I don't know how to express 
myself. 

Bernard. How then did you know he was going away ? This letter has 
been opened. 

Mattien. Probably by the Parisian, to add a postscript. 

Bernard. But how came you to know that he went to meet her? 

Mattien. Because he said to me : "Mattien, you must rub down my 
horse to-morrow, as I am going in my tilbury to meet Florine." 

Bernard. Oh, if I could but have heard him call her Florine. ■ 

Mattien. You would have given him a box on the ears, as you gave me, 
or — no you wouldn't. 

Bernard. And why shouldn't I? 

Mattien. You're a famous shot, 'tis true, but there are boards in Monsieur 
Eaison's timber yard, that prove that he isn't a bad marksman, neither. 

Bernard. Do you think that would prevent my chastising him ? 

Mattien. I don't know; but I think you wouldn't have been so ready 
with your hands with him, as you were with poor Mattien, the hunchback, 
who is as helpless as a child. 

Bernard. Forgive me, Mattien, I was wrong. {extends hand, Mattien 
waddles to him, takes his fingers in his palm, and averts his face) Yet I ki.ow 
you dislike me. 

Mattien. Oh, Monsieur Bernard, how can you say such a thing? 

Bernard. And, besides, it is a positive certainty that you never open 
your mouth but to tell a lie. 

Mattien. Very well, just as you please. Monsieur liaison has sent Pierre 
away, and I've got his place, and that's all I care about. 

Bernard. Mattien, Mattien, you are a 

Mattien. Ha, ha, ha! Don't hesitate, Monsieur — speak out. I'm used 
to it. 



^ 



8 WILL-O'-THE-WISP. 

Bernard. Well then, the truth is, you are a rogue and a scoundrel, and 
so out of the house with you. 

Mattien. {creeping to loindow) Perhaps instead of turning me out you 
ought to have thanked me for my warning. Never mind, Monsieur Ber- 
nard, my turn will come some time, never fear. 

Bernard. Wretch ! dare you threaten me? {darts at him 

Mattien. Ha, ha, ha I {leaps out of window 

Enter Francois, door in flat, comes down k. c. 

Bernard. Ah, Francois, I'm glad to see you. [comes down R. c. 

Francois, [r. c] Why, my good fellow', what the deuce are you linger- 
ing here for ? 

Bernard. Oh, nothing. 

Francois. Why do you act so strangely ? 

Bernard. Read that. [hands him letter 

Francois, [reading'] "Dear Floriue." What, your cousin Florine? 

Bernard. Precisely. But go on. 

Francois, [reading] "Dear Florine — I am told that you are at last com- 
ing home, after eighteen mouths absence— what happiness ! For I saw so 
little of you in my flying visits to Paris, when I was i^ot allowed even to 
speak to you. It is useless to tell you your sweet pretty face has never 
been out of my head for an instant. In order to see you a few hours sooner 
I shall meet you on the Gondreville road at day-light. And I trust the 
atmosphere of Paris has rendered you less coy than when we last met, and 
served to make you forget that boor of a cousin of yours, Bernard Watrim. 

Your Ardent Adorer, 

Louis Chollet." 
—Oh, ho. Monsieur Le Parisian I This is the way you write, is it? 

Bernard. But luckily the boor of a cousin knows how to answer him. 

[music 

Francois. You are agitated. Come, let us leave the house. Come — 
come/ I insist. 

Bernard. You are right, I will go. lihey go up 

Enter door in flat, Marienne, 

— My mother, good morning. 

Marienne, [k.] Good-morning, my boy. Where are you going T 

Bernard, [up stage, l.J They are waiting for rae at the "Stage Leap." 
Francois has come to fetch me. 

Marienne. Will you not wait for breakfast. 

Bernard. I am not hungry, mother— thank you. Come, Francois, we 
must be off. [aside] Tell them not to expect me at the "Stage Leap." 
Each may hunt his own game, you know. 

Francois, [aside] Bernard. [grasps his arm 

Bernard, [aside] Let me alone, I'm not a child. 

Enter Guillaume, d. in f., comes down r. c. ' 

Guill. [r. c.] Ah! you are off then ? Is your gun loaded, Bernard? 

Bernard, [up stage, l.] Yes, father. 

Guill. All right then. Remember the place to aim at, the socket of 
the shoulder. 

Bernard. I shall take good aim, father, never fear. I shall not miss 
my mark. 

Guill. Good luck to you, my boy. 

Bernard, [coming down R.J Good-bye, my mother. [embraces her] 
Good-bye, my father, [shakes his hand— goes up to d. in v.] Farewell. 

[exit, D. in v. with Francois — music ceases 

Guill. Dame, what is the matter with the boy ? 



WILL-O'-THE-WISP. 9 

Marie. I do not know, father, he seemed very strange to me. 

[crosses to L. 

Guill. [goes up and opens d. in f.] What's he going toward Gondreville 
for. 

Marienne. [l.] Perhaps to meet Florine. 

Guill. Ah, perhaps, [closes door and comes down, 'R.'\ The inspector 
has done Floriae a great honor. 

Marienne. [l.] Indeed? 

Guill. [r.] Yes, he has allowed a wild boar to be killed in honor of her 
return. 

Florine. [without] Papa Guillaume ! Papa Guillaume! 

Marienne. Did I not hear a voice ? [sound of carriage wheels'] Yes, 
and now I bear carriage wheels. Perhaps 'tis Florine, 

Music — she runs up to d. in v., which is flung open, and Florine appears on 

the threshold. 

Florine. Papa Guillaume, dear mamma, here I am. 
Music — runs to Guillaume, r. throws her arms around his neck and kisses him. 

Marienne. [l.] Florine! [extends her hands to Florine, who laughs, 
breaks from Guillaume, runs to Marienne, l., and embraces her] How glad 
I am to see you, child. But where is Bernard ? Did you not meet him ? 

Florine. [l.] No. I came by the road from Maux. 

Marienne. And Bernard has gone to Gondreville. [shouts without] What 
noise is that, father ? 

Guill. [e.] I will see. [goes to d. in v. and opens it] It is the rangers 
going to the hunt. Come in, Francois. 

Enter Francois, d. in v., comes down r. c, Guillaume, R. 

Francois, [r. c] Mademoiselle ! [bows to Florine 

Marienne. [l.] Father, go and see if you can find Bernard, while 1 get 
something for Florine, she must be in want of refreshments, [exit, L. 1 B. 

Guill. [r.] The dame's right. I'll leave you for a time, Florine. 

Florine. [l.] Return soon, and bring Bernard with you. 

Guill. Aha, you sly fox. What would the women do without the men ? 
Aha [exit, d. in f. 

±iorine. [coming c] Francois, do you know where Bernard is? 

Francois, [r. c] Y-e-s, on the Gondreville road. 

Florine. [terrijied] Ah ! Francois, will you do me a favor ? 

Francois. A hundred, if you wish, Mademoiselle. 

Florine. Well then, will you find Bernard for me, and tell him I am 
here. Quick, for here comes Dame Marienne. 

Francois. If that's all you want, it's soondone. Adieu ! 

[runs up arid exit d. in F., Florine crosses to R. 

Enter Marienne, h. 1 k. 

Marienne. [l. c.j Were you sorry to leave Paris, Florine ; 

Florine. [r.] Sorry ? Not at all, dear mother. [goes toward door, r. 

Marierine. Where are you going, child? 

Florine. To my dear little room, mother. 

Marienne. That's right, child, go and put on your very best dress — we 
expect company to-day. 

Florine. Company? 

Marienne. Yes, Monsieur Raison, his daughter and Monsieur Chollet. 

Florine. Ah I I was not thinking of dresses, dear mother ; I wasn't going 
to my room for that — only to look out the window and try to see Bernard — 
the only one who has not welcomed ray return ! Come, dear mother, you 
shall show me to my own little chamber, [exit Florine and Marienne, e. 1 e. 



10 WILL-O'-THE-WISP. 

JEnter l. 1 k., Babet, followed by Melchair, who has his nose blacked, and 
carries a bone which he is continually gnawing. 

Babet. [r. c] Bother 1 Love, poetry and kisses ! Love won't satisfy 
your thirst, nor poetry fill a hungry stomach like yours. And as for kisses, 
bah ! they ruinates the cooking. Don't talk to me of love. You've made 
me spoil the meats. 

Melchair. (l. c) Ah! cruel Babet! I told you when frying veal-cut- 
lets. ''Dip them first in egg and bread-crumb. Fry till you see a brown- 
ish-red come." 

Babet, I hate a hen-hussy — a man bothering around the cook-stove. 
You're always hungry, and continually tippling — it's a bad sign. 

Melchair. But I pass my time in useful study. 

And now at last I have by heart, 
The greatest work of moral art. 

Babet. {delighted) Ah 1 What is it, love? 

Melchair. The cook-book, dove I 

Ah 1 when we are married, what relishes we will have. 
Meats, sauces, salads — but — 

"In dressing salads, mind this law, 
With two hard yolks, use one that's raw." 

Babet. You should have been a cook, not a ranger. 

Melchair. Ah I Babet, make me a cook, and still I'll be a ranger. 

Babet. But what shall I say to my cutlets being spoiled? All comes of 
your insisting on a kiss — and so early in the morning, too. 

Melchair. That's as it should be, sweet Babet. I first satisfied my thirst 
with a drop of cognac; next my love craved a kiss, and now, could I have — 
a good spring chicken, the way you cook 'em— split 'em down the back and 
broil 'em. {smacks his lips 

Babet. And, well I might have known what would have come. A more 
hungry lover a maid ne'er had. Why, I've heard of lovers who could feast 
upon their sweetheart's eyes. 

Melchair. Oh, lor' ! No, no, it's the ''solids" I require. Feasting on 
eyes — bah 1 That would do well enough in a book, but I'm a "solid lover.'* 

Babet, The meats are spoiled, but come, we'd better to the butchers for 
a new supply. 

Melchair. But first, one kiss our love to try ! 

Babet. No; we must think of those "solids" — you spoke of the kiss, you 
can have that when I depart to-day. It will seem odd indeed to leave this 
dear old place, but auntie requires my help at the inn, and will not let 
me remain here longer. 

Melchair. Ah! I fear you'll quite forget me. 

Babet. Oh, no, Melchair, I'm not one of those silly flirts, I'd rather die 
than live an old maid 1 

Melchair. Would you now ? Oh joy ! 

Babet. Yes, it must be so chilly , no one to hug and kiss, you know. 

Melchair. This house will be a desert without you. 

Babet. You think so? 

Melchair. Yes. 

Babet. No? 

Both. Oh I (they embrace, he smicts her face 

Melchair. Yon couldn't give me a sly smack before you go? 

Babet. Why, you've just demolished at least a pound of meat from that 
bone I 

Melchair. But that's past, and only the bony part remains. What shall 
1 do without you ? 

Babet. One would think it was a hundred and not one mile I was going. 
I'll write you a letter love. 

Melchair. No, invite me to dinner, dove. 

Babet. That I will, my own ! 

Melchair, Precious one. 



WILL-O'-THE-WISP. U 

Sabet. Am I ? 
Melchair. Yes. 
Both. Oh I 

Tkey embrace, she goes to kiss him as he bites the bone, which she kisses. Enter 
Florine and Bernard. R. 1 k., Babet screams, and she and Melchair darts o^ 

L. 1 B. 

Florine. (k. c) I am so glad to be with you once again. But will you 
always love me, Bernard? 

Bernard, (l. c.) Always, dear Florine I 

Florine. And are you quite sure it is cot a brotherly affection, instead of 
the passion of a lover? 

Bernard. I have never asked myself that question, but your absence has 
revealed the truth to me. {love song ad lib 

Florine. Oh ! I am so very glad yoM did not meet Louis Chollet, Bernard. 

Bernard. Perhaps 'twas better, but had I met that impudent puppy. 

Enter Chollet, d. f. 

Florine. Hush, Bernard, he is here I 

Bernard, He here, what does he want ? 

Florine. Your mother invited him, Bernard, he is your guest. 

Chollet. {coming doivn, L.) Monsieur Bernard, I beg pardon for intrud- 
ing, I was looking for — 

Bernard, (c.) Not for me I know. But you have found me, whom you 
did not expect ! 

Florine. (r.) Bernard, Bernard, be calm, I beg I 

{grasps his arm, he shakes her of 

Bernard. Leave me ; I have a few words to say to Monsieur Chollet. 

Florine. But, Bernard, for my sake I 

Bernard, There is nothing to fear. Come I {he take-f her hand and leads^ 
her to B. 1 E.,) Leave usl {exit Florine r. 1 E., Bernard comes C. 

Bernard. Well, Monsieur, I too was looking for some one, but I am more 
fortunate than you, for I was seeking for you, Monsieur Chollet, and I haY& 
found you. 

Chollet. {coolly) Looking for me? 

Bernard, (c.) Precisely, sir ! 

Chollet. [l.] I am not hard to fina. 

Bernard. Except when you are off in your tilbury, to Gondreville, at daT 
light. 

Chollet, I go. Monsieur, when I please ; and where I please. 

Bernard. You have a perfect right to do so. But there is an observation 
you will allow me to make? 

Chollet. Certainly, Monsieur. 

Bernard. I hope then, you will allow, that every man is master of hi» 
own? 

Chollet. Undoubtedly, sir, or it would not be his own. 

Bernard. Well then, Monsieur Chollet, I have the honor of announcing 
to you, my approaching marriage with my cousin Florine, who will in a 
fortnight become my wife ; and then, sir ; well, you understand — then, I 
shaJt have a right to look out for trespassers 1 

Enter Florine and Abbe Gregoire, r. I e. 

Chollet. I could reply to you. Monsieur, if we were alone, but, in the 
presents of a priest, and a woman — {Bernard turns and sees them 

Bernard. You are right. 

Chollet. {low to him) Then we will put off our explanation until to- 
morrow ? 

Bernard, {coolly) At any time, or at any place, I shall be at Moneieur't 
service 1 



3.2 WILL-O'-THE-WISP. 

ChoIIet. (as before) I shall remember, i eve • fear! (goes up L., at door) 
Mademoiselle, Messieurs ; adieu. {h< tos olitehj and exit, door h. flat 

Florine. {coming, c.) Here is our old friend, the Abbe, come to see U8> 
Bernard. 

Bernard, (c. l.) You are -welcome, holy father, but, may I ask what 
brought you here, Abbe? 

Abbe, (r.) Certainly; I only came here to see your father. 

Bernard, {quickly) Have you seen him yet ? 

Abbe. Not yet. 

Bernard. Monsieur L'Abbe, you are always welcome here, but, doubly 
80 to-day. I suppose I ought to make a fine speech to you, but it is not my 
way; I prefer to tell things in a few words. 1 am going to be marriedto 
Plorine. 

Abbe. So you love Florine, my boy? 

Bernard. More than I can tell ! 

Abbe. And you my dear? Do you love Bernard? 

Florine. With all my heart 1 

Abbe. But, my children, this confession should be made to your parents 
before it is nciade to me, 

Bernard. Certainly ,• but you are my father's friend, and what is more, 
my mothers confessor. We want you to speak to them and get their con- 
sent, and make two hearts happy. See, here come my father, so now you 
«an begin ; while Florine and I will go and sing your praises under the 
forest trees. Come, darling! {exit Florine and Bernard, D. in v. 

Abbe, [e.] Oh, these children! These children I 

Enter Guillaurne, l. 1 b. 

Guill. [l.] Why Abbe, you here? Indeed I'm glad to see you. 

Abbe. Guillaurne, I have a petition to make to you. Bernard wants to 
marry. 

Guill. Bernard? Well, he has my consent to marry whom he pleases, 
©yen his grandmother I But who is the girl? 

Abbe. Florine. 

Guill. Do you really mean to say they love each other ? 

Abbe. Yes; do you consent? 

Guill. With all my heart! But stop a bit, what about the dame? She 
must be spoken to, it can't be helped ! I'll send her to you, you can man- 
age her better on that point than I. {exit, l. 1 k. 

Enter Marianne, L. 1 k.' 

Marienne. [l.] Oh, Monsieur L'Abbe, if I had known you were here, I 
shouldn't have waited to be called, I warrant you. 

Abbe, [r.] I sent for you, dame, that you might give me your opinion 
upon a most important subject, Bernard wants to marry. 

Marienne. And whom? 

Abbe. Florine. 

Marienne. My Bernard marry a heretic ? Never 1 Oh, Monsieur 
L'Abbe, you admit of such a marriage? 

Abbe. Certainly. 

Marienne. Then allow me to say, 1 think it better to oppose it I . 

Abbe. Is she not good, pious and modest ? 

Marienne. Yes, 

Abbe. Thein I entreat you to reflect. 

Marienne. Never ! {Guillaurne peeps in L. 1 B. 

Guill. Has the old fool come 'round yet? 

Marienne. Bernard! Bernard! You shall never marry a heretic with 
my consent I 

Guillaurne {advancing, L.J You hear what she says, Abbe? 

Abbe. Have patience, Guillaurne — have patience. 

Guill. [l.] Patience! I wouldn't give a charge of gun powder for -*■ 
man who would have patience with such a woman! [crosses, B. 



WILL-O'-THE-WISP. 13 

Abbe. [c. R.] She has an exoelleut heart, she will consent soon. 

Guill. [r.] Now listen to me, Monsieur L' Abbe. If she obstinately pre- 
siets in her nonsense, and don't consent soon, I swear to you that^ 
though we have lived together twenty-six years, I'll separate from her, and 
we shall finish our days apart. 

Marienne. [^bursting into tears] What does he mean, Monsieur L'Abbe? 

Abbe. [c. R.] Guillaume, Guillaume ! 

Guill. [r.] What I say, I'll do! She shall see how obstinate^ I can be 1 

Marienne. [l.] Oh ! Bernard my son, what shall I do, what shall 1 do? 

\weepi 

Quill. \Ti.f furiously] Did you ever see such a woman ? 

Enter Bernard, d. in f., comes down o. 

Albe. [R. c] Hush ! 

Bernard, [c] Well, dear father- 



Marienne. [turning 07i him] What do you want ? Nobody sent for you. 

Bernard, [c] But I have hoped 

Marienne. [l.] You had no business to hope! I'll not have you inter- 
fere in this affair I 

Bernard, [c] What does it all mean, my father ? Mother is weeping,, 
the Abbe is grave, and even you have tears in your eyes. 

Abbe. [r. c] Silence, Bernard ! 

Marienne. (l.) I warn you, Bernard, to get out of my sight I You shall 
not marry Florine with my consent. 

Bernard, (c.) Ah ! I see it all now. 

Marienne. (l.) Do you hear me? Go! 

Bernard, (c.) I am going, {goes up and pauses at door) But I give you 
fair warning I will marry Florine in spite of you all. I am twenty-two 
years of age, and have the consent of the law, if I have not that of my par- 
ents I I am beyond their control, and I'll prove it! 

Quill, [furiously) Do you appeal from your parents to the law, sirrah ? 
Let me get at him ! 

He is about to rush upon Bernard, when the Abbe grasps his arm and stay & 
him. Marienne utters a piercing cry and rushing to c, falls on her knees 
before Guillaume, and raising her hands to his breast, holds him back. 
Mattien appears at the window, h., Bernard stands defiantly in the door- 
way. 

Mattien. (l.) Hal ha I ha! Monsieur Bernard, you do not yet com- 
prehend the power of the Will-O'-The-Wisp ! 

PICTURE — QUICK DROP. 

ACT 11. 

SCENE FIRST.— A toood in 1st grooves. 

Enter Florine, r. 1 e. 

Florine. What does it all mean? Dame Marienne is weeping in the 
kitchen, Father Guillaume is storming in the parlor, and Bernard has gone 
off into the forest ! Will any one explain it ? 

Enter Mattien, l. 1 b. 

Mattien, Yes; I will explain it, Mademoiselle Florine, with your per- 
mission. 

Florine. Mattien, where is Bernard? Why did he go away? 

Mattien. Because his father turned him out of the house. 

Flor%ne. Turned him out of the house ? What for? 

Mattien. Because he wanted to marry you. I was under the window 
and heard all 1 



14 WILL-O'-THE-WISP. 

Florine. Poor Ben ard ! 

Mattien. Yes ; and 'twaa all for your sake. Wouldn't you like to see 
ilim again; just to prevent him doing himself a mischief? 

Florine. I would give the world to see him. But how can I ? 

Mattien. He will wait for you this evening — at least, that is what I was 
■told to tell you. 

Florine. Did he tell you ? 

Mattien. Yes; he said you were to come to the Prince's Fountain to 
meet him there. 

Florine. At what time ? 

Mattien. ISTine o'clock to-night. 

Florine. I shall not fail. Mattien. 

Mattien. Mind you don't ; for it would fall heavily on me if you did I 

Florine. Heaven reward you, Mattien ! Farewell! {exit, Florine, r. 1 v. 

Mattien. I hope it will ; and somebody else, too. {calling, h.) Monsieur 
€hoilet I Monsieur Chollet I 

Enter Louis Chollet, l. 1 B. 

Chollet. {eaqer'y) Well ? 

Mattien. All right ; all right! The young ranger has got himself into a 
pretty fix ; and Florine is heartily sick of him already. Besides, she re- 
grets Paris. 

Chollet. Well, what am I to do now? 

Mattien. Will vou do as I tell you? 

Chollet. Of course I will. ' 

_ Mattien. Be off then to the Fete of Corey, fill your pockets with gold ; at 
eight o'clock be at the dance, and at nine — 

Chollet. {eagerly) Well, at nine? Goon! 

Mattien. Florine will meet you at the Prince's Fountain. 

Chollet. She consents then to go with me? 

Mattien. It looks very mnch like it. Ha 1 ha I ha ! 

Chollet. Mattien, if you have told me the truth you shall have twenty- 
five louis d'or for your pains! (crosses and exit, r. 1 k. 

Mattien. {solus) Twenty-five louis d'or is a nice little sum without 
reckoning the cost of avenging one's self! So, Monsieur Bernard, I'm an ugly 
screech owl, am I ? But remember this. Monsieur, the screech owl can use 
Its talons, and the Will-O'-The-Wisp lure even unto death ! • 

{exit, laughing, h. 1 b.- — change 

■SCEKF SECOND— Exterior of a Village Inn. Set Inn, r. 3 k., with door 
practicable. Large set tree, R. 1 e. Set tree c, with elects up the trunk, 
facing audience. Bet rock with platform and steps, c, in front of tree. Ta- 
bles and chairs, k. and L. Guests seated at tables ; at rise of curtain Dame 
TTiellier and Babet running about serving them, Mattien laying on rack, c, 
-Antoine, BobineaUf Melchair, {who is drunk) seated at table, h. Guests 
slowly exit. 

Robinean. (l.) By the way, Melchair, how did you get on with your 

lawsuit with Lafarge? 

Melchair. [l.] With Lafarge— (Aic)— the barber ? I lost it I 

Robinean. What made you lose it ? 

Melchair. 'Cause— (Aic)— they gave it against rae— [AicJ— I didn't hurt 
the man. 

Robinean. Spoiled his nose, that was all. 

Melchair. I deny— [Ai'c]— that it is a nose — \hic\ — it's a handle I 

Robinean. Tell us your story, Melchair. 

Melchair. Cer— [/tic] — tainly ! I'm a poor innocent, respectable — [Ate]— 
I mean cobbler, with only one child and — [Azc] — three wives! 

Robinean. What ? 



WILL-O'-THE-WISP. 1| 

Melchair. I mean one wife and — [hie] — three children! 

Robinean. Why, awhile ago you told us you were not marriedt 

Melchair. How — [hie] — long ago Avas that? 

Rohinean. About an hour. 

Melchair. Well, — \htc] — ain't that time enough to get — {hic\ — a wife, 
'—\Jiic] — now a days? 

Robinean. Yes, but the child. 

Melchair. Why,— [/iic]— you fool, I must — [Aic]— have married a widow t 

Robinean. But to the story. 

Melchair. Well ; one night— [Ate]— I and the barber went — [Aic]— out for 
a strool. As we were going along the road, we stumbled — [hicl — over a 
stone, and in order — [Avj]— to save myself, 1 stretched out my — [hie] — hand 
and caught the — 7ac] — barber's nose. But as the skin was not of the best 
— [hie] — kind out of it popped — [hie] — the barber's nose, and over went his 
— [hie] — body like a fifty pounder. — [hie] — And that gen'lemen is my story I 

Mattien. (c) I say, Robinean, didn't you say you wanted to see tho 
inspector of the domain ? ha ! ha I 

Robinean. (l. ) No my lad. But why did you ask? 

Mattien. Only because I see him coming this way. Hal ha! 

Robifiean. Coming this way, phew I Come Antoine let's be off, he mustn't 
see us here. {exit Robinean and Ajitoine, L. 1 E. 

Melchair. (l.) Cowards— [Aic] — to flee from wine I Your — [Azc]— health 
Monsieur Melchair I [drinks 

Enter Bernard, l. 1 e., his gun over his shoulder, and his hat gone. Comes 

down, L. 

B rnard. (l.) Wine! Wine I say I {knocks on table, with gun) Dame 
Thellier! Winel Am I to wait all night ? 

EnterDame Thellier from Inn, r., crosses and places loine before him, 

Thellier. (l. c.) Pardon, Monsieur ! I was obliged to go to the cellar 
for it, as there was none up stairs. Bless me, Monsieur Bernard, how pale 
you look ! 

Bernard, (l.) Palo am I? All the more reason for drinking. Dame. 

{drinks from the bottU 

Thellier. Good heaven I You w^ill do yourself an injury 1 

Bernard. Never mind, it is the last I shall ever drink! 

Thellier. What has happened, Monsieur? 

Bernard. Nothing, nothing ! Give me pen, ink and paper. 

{exit Thellier into house, E., 

Melchair. Pens, ink and paper, {hie) Why I thoughtdt was wine, and 
not ink — {hie) — they sold at a public house ! 

Re-enter Thellier from Inn, crosses to h., and places pen, ink and paper before 

Bernard. 

Bernard. You are in mourning Dame Thellier. For whom '. 

T'leliier. {sobbing) I am in mourning for my poor Philip, who died 
only a month ago. 

Melchair, {singing) *'If I only had a little vine, 

Down in that litt'e field of mine 1" 

Bernard. Hold your tongue, or I'll naake you! 

Melchair. *'If I only had a little vine — " 

Bernard. Hold your tongue, I say! 

Melchair. Why the — {hie) — devil should I. No song, no supper, I'm liun-< 
gry, and I'm singing for my supper. 

Bernard. Do you not see this woman, she is weeping for her son! 

Melchair. Poor thing, {hic) I won't sing so loud. "If I only had a lit- 
tle vine — '* 

Bernard, Loud or not, you shall not sing I So be off about your businefs. 



16 



WILL-O'-THE-WISP. 



Melchair. All right, {hie) I don't like public houses where they cry; 
I oomo to laugh. {reels oj^ singing, l. 1 e., Bernard dashes down the pen 

Bernard, (l.) I cannot write. Dame Thellier, will you do me a favor. 
(l. c.) With pleasure; what is it? 
It is not far from here to my father's house, is it? 
Oh no; one mile, that is all. 

Tlien will you do me the lavorto go there and ask for Florine? 
What? has Florine returned? 

Yes; See her, and tell her I will write to her to-morrovf. 
But, have you no message for any body else? 
None. 

Not to your parents? 
No. Yet stay 1 tell them, they will n«ver see me more. 

(buries his face in his hand 
Monsieur, I will do your bidding, {crosses, r. — aside) Some- 
thing is wrong, I fear, {exit, Thellier into house, and returns with hat and 
shawl) Poor feliowl h« is ill. However, I will be off as i promised. 

{exit Thelher, l. v. s. 
It is no use sighing. I will be gone. {crosses, R. 

(g.) If I were you, Monsieur Bernard, I wouldn't go just yet. 
(b.) You here? What were you saying? 

{Matiien descends and comes downf 8. c 
Didn't you hear? 
I heard, but I did not understand. 
I said ; if I were you, 1 wouldn't go yeU 
Why not yet? 

No ; not without 

Without what? 

Without being avenged on one or the other of them* 
What do you mean ? Who? 
I mean him and her. 
{impatiently) Whom do you mean? 

Why, Mademoiselle Florine, and Monsieur Chollet to be sure. 
Florine, and Monsieur Chollet? 
Yes ; ha! hal ha 1 
Mattien, take care. 

Oh, I shan't say any more, or I'll get what I got this morning. 
Never fear Mattien. But speak I In heaven's name speak! 
Can't you guess? ha! ha I hal 
How can I? Speak, I command you' I 

Well, well, Avell ; what is the use of a fine education, if one is 
blind and deaf with all that? 

Bernard, Mattien, you have heard something that conperns me. 

The screech-owl sees by night, when the other birds are asleep. 
Come, tell me at once, don't keep me in agony thus. 
Well then, what was the obstacle to your marriage ? 
My mother. 
Not a bit of it ; your parents love you, and wish to see you hap- 



Thellier. 

Bernard. 

Thellier. 

Berjiard. 

Thellier. 

Bernard. 

Thellier. 

Bernard. 

Thellier. 

Bernard. 

Thellier. 



Bernard, 
Mattien. 
Bernard. 

Mattien. 

Bernard. 

Mattien. 

Bernard. 

Mattien. 

Bernard. 

Mattien. 

Bernard. 

Mattien. 

Bernard, 

Mattien^ 

Bernard. 

Mattien. 

Ber ard. 

Mof ien. 

Be I ird. 

Mattien, 

Bernard. 

Mattien. 



Mattien. 
Bernard. 
Mattien. 
Bernard. 
Mattien, 



Bernard. It proceeds from some one, who does not love me then. 

Mattien. There are people, who oansay : <'My d«ar Bernard ; my own 
Bernard," and yet not feel or mean it. 

Bernard. Who is this person? 

Mattien. 1 know you'll choke me if I tell you. 

Bernard. I promise you, I will not touch you, 

Mattien. Well then, don't you see ; the obstacle comes from Mademoi- 
Belle Florine, to be sure, and no one else. 

Bernard. From Florine? You mean to say she does not love me then? 

Mattien. I mean that there are young women, who, when once they 
have been to Paris, would sooner be the mistress of a rich man, than the 
wife of a poor, but honest one. 



tVILL-O'-THE-WISP. 17 

Bernard. You don't allude by this to li'lorine and the Parisian? 

Maititn. Who else do you think ? 

Bernard, Wretch I {^seizes him by the. throat 

Maitien. Bemeinber your promise! 

Bernard, {releasing him) Forgive me, Mattien, I was wrong, it was so 
incredible. But go on, and as you value 3'our life, utter no lie. 

Mattieyi. 'Twill be time enough to kill me when you find me out in a 
lie. But as you always begin by getting in a passion, I'll say no more. 

Bernard. I was wrong, Mattien, I will be calm. 

Mattien. No, not another word, tor you are as incredulous as St. Thomas 
himself. You shall see for yourself. 

Bernard. That will be better still. Mattien, put rae in the way of 
learning the truth beyond a doubt. 

Mattien. I am willing ; but on one condition. 

Bernard. What is that? 

Mattien. That you see the end, as well as the beginning. 

Bernard, When shall I know it is the end? 

Mattien. When you see Mademoiselle Florine come to meet Monsieur 
Chollet at the prince's fountain. 

Bernard. Florine and Chollet together at the fountain? When will 
you shoTT me this? 

Mattien. It is about a quarter of nine now ; we'll say then, nine o'clock. 
That's not long to wait, is it? 

Bernard. Florine meet this Parisian, and to-night, too ? No, no, it can» 
not be ! 

Mattien. You shall see, and seeing is believing. 

Bernard. What can she have to say to him? Why meet him there ? 
And to-night, tex*? 

Mattien. Maybe to arrange about their journey. Who knows I Hal 
ha! ha! 

Bernard. Their journey ? Heavens ! Is she going away with him ? 

{Lights down 

Mattien. I suppose Monsieur Chollet is going away, for he changed all 
his money into gold, saying it was better for traveling. 

Bernard. Mattien, you are torturing me, killing me by inches. If it is 
for your own amusement {Music till curtain 

Mattien. Look I Ha! ha! ha I {points, h. v. K. 

Bernard. Louis Chollet I Oh, heaven! 

Mattien* Yes, Louis Chollet ! But quick, behind yonder tree ; he comes ! 

{thet/ get behind trie, r. 1 e. 

Enter Cho"et, l. u. ^., comes down, h. 

Chollet. (l.) By jove ! This must be the inn kept by Dame Thellier I 
But hang me if I know where the prince's fountain is. [stage very dark 
Bernard, (aside) The prince's fountain, then it is true. 
Chollet. Dame Thellier! Dame Thellier 1 

Enter Babet from itm, a., comes, C. 

Bdbet. (c.) Do you want Dame Thellier, Monsieur? 

Chollet. Yes, child. 

Babet. I am very sorry, but she is not at home. 

Chollet. (l.) Where has she gone? 

Babet. (c.) To Monsieur Watrin's. 

Chollet. {aside) The devil she has ! I hope she doesn't meet Florine, 
and prevent her coming. Ch ild, is it far from here to the prince's fountain ? 

Babet. Oh no, sir, only a few rods away. You can seo it from yonder 
rock. 

Chollet, Show it to me. {they go up c, ascend the rock 

Babet. (pointing, L.) There it is, Monsieur. 

Chollet. 1 see it, thank you. {they descend, and come down, c.,) Thi^ 



)8 WILL-O'-THE-WmP. 

for your pains, {in trying to gmt a coin from his pocket, he spills a quaniitjf 
of gold pieces) Hang my awkwardness. I've let all the money fall. 
Babet. I'll get a light, Monsieur. 

Exit Babet into inn, r., and returns with lighted candle, they pick tip the 
pieces, but Mattien creeping from behind tree manages to secure a coin. 

Mattien. Gold ! gold I Ah 1 what a heap. Oh, to think some people 
should have so much, and others none at all ! 

Chollet. That's^all. Thank you ! This for your candle. 

{he give's her a coin, and replaces the purse in his left breast pocket 

Babet. Twenty francs, and all for me? You don't surely mean it? 

Chollet. I do, though ; lay it up against the day you are married. What 
o'clock is it. 

Btibet. Nine, Monsieur. 

Chollet. Nine! 1 was afraid it was much later. Now for the prince's 
fountain. ^^exit Chollet, l. 1 k, 

Babet. Now, what'g there in that man for Dame Thellier to dislike? I 
think he is very nice. Just the sort of a man I'd like for a husband. But 
no — he wouldn't submit to "petticoat government," and I must wear the 
breeches. {exit Babet into inn, k., Mattien steals off, R. 1 b. 

Bernard, {comes from behind tree, and advances to c, calling low) Mat- 
tien ! Mattien! where are you? J!To answer! He's gone. {Mattien ap- 
pears behind inn, r. v. k.) He got afraid of his own work, and has flown. 
{ascends rock, c, and looks of in the direction Chollet has gone) All is silent t 
If he indeed be Iter lover, then there will beno one to hinder ray revenge ! 
The Parisian is still alone. What it I have been deceived? Ah, some one ap- 
proaches — it is a woman — he rises to greet her — she — merciful heaven ! 
tis Florine ! Oh, I can no longer doubt ! Florine Diano, the crime I am 
about to commit rest on your head, {raises the rifle to his shoulder— slight 
pause, and flings it down) I cannot forget my mother's teachings, I cannot, 
will not be an assassin ! {rushes madly off, r. 1 8. 

Matiitn oomes from behind inn, jerks up the gun, and after cautiously looking 

around, ascends the rock, and looks of after Chollet — he raises gun to his 

shoulder. 

Mattien. {c.) Aha ! Monsieur Bernard, I have not forgotten that blow I 
No ; a thousand times, no I True to the good old law, I retaliate — an eye 
for an eye, a tooth for a tooth ! Swiftly, surely, will I strike; and deadly 
shall be the vengeance of the *'Will-0'-The- Wisp !" 
Fires gun — Florine screams without, and rushing iri, l. 1 e., with dishevelled 

hair, falls lifeless at the foot of the rock, c, Mattien drops the gun, and 

S^pringing up the tree, looks down triumphantly at her. 

PICTURE — QUICK DROP. 

ACT III. 

SCENE — Same as in Act Isi. Supper set on table, r. Guillaume, liaison, 
Abbe and Marienne, at supper at table, r. 

Abbe. Nay, nay ; 'tis getting late, I must return home. 

Guill. Not yet, Monsieur L'Abbe, let us drink one more toast. 

Marienne. But neither Francois nor Florine are here. 

Guill. Where are they ? 

Marienne. They both went out one after the other awhile ago ; besides, 
you know, it is very unlucky to drink toasts when some of the guests have 
left the table. 

Guill. Florine can't be far off. Dame ; you had better call her. 

Marienne. I have called her several times, but she doesn't answer. 

Guill. And Francois ? 



WILL-O'-THE-WISP. 19 

Maison. Oh, as for Francois, he has gone to help get my carriage ready. 

Abbe. We will ask heaven to avert the ill-luck. But as I cannot wait I 
will give you a tohst. 

GuilL Let us rise to the Abbe's toast. {all rise 

Abbe. 1 driiik to the peace of the family, the good understanding be- 
tween raan and wife, the only source of the children's happiness, and of 
the blessings of home. 

Raison. Bravo, Abbe ! 

Abbe. And now, Guillaume, I must trouble you for my hat and stick; 
and you, Monsieur Raison, to hurry the carriage, for 'tis nine o'clock. 

JRai.^on. The dame will attend to that, Abbe, whilst'l say a few words to 
Guillaume. 
' Marienne. I think you left them in the other room, your eminence. 

Abbe. I will follow, dame. {exit Marienne and Abbe, r. 1 B. 

Guill. Well, Monsieur Raison, let us have your worship's recipe for 
making a fortune. 

Raison. First let us shake hands, dear old friend. 

Guill. With pleasure, {they do so) Now for it. . 

Raison. You have, I believe, charge of the Royal forest of Pampeaux, 
for which charge you receive seven hundred and fifty francs a year, and a 
hundred francs as a gratuity on New Years day. So that it takes ten years 
for you to get nine thousand francs. 

Guill. You are as good an arithmetician as Cocker himself, mayor. 

Raison. That being the case I will show you how to make the same sum 
in three hundred and sixty-five days. Eo trouble. Only just to wink one 
eye, and then the other according to where the trees stand, and my men 
will instantly cut them down and convey them to my timber yard, and no 
one will be any the wiser. 

Guill. So that's your game? 

Raison. Not a bad one, is it? 

Guill. And you will give me nine thousand francs for winking at the 
King's expense? 

Raison. {rising) Four thousand five hundred for the right eye, and the 
same for the left. 

Guill. {rising) Monsieur Raison, I don't wink. 

Ratson. {nervously) What do you mean? 

Guill. Do you see that window? Well, Monsieur L'Mayor, if you were 
not my guest, if you had not eaten of my bread to-night, at the first word 
you spoke I would have thrown you out of that window ! 

Raison, How dare you speak to me thus ? Do you know who 1 am ? 

Guill. Oh, yes. You are the Mayor of Gondreville — but you're not an 
honest man ! 

Raison. This is too much! 

Guill. Oh, but I've not done yet I Look around at the threshold of that 
door, and remember, monsieur, when you have passed it to get into your 
carriage, you never cross it again, 
Raiso7i. Sirrah ! 

Guill. There is no use in letting everybody know 1 have received a 
thief in my house. I can afford to spare you that mortification. Good 
night, Monsieur Raison. {crosses to l. and opening door) Go ! 

{Ratson passes proudly out o. in r. 

Enter Marienne and Abbe, k. 1 e., coming c. 

Abbe, (c.) Here I am all ready. 

Guill. (L.) His worship is prompter than you, he is already outside 
waiting for you. 

Abbe. Good night kind friends. Good night, {goes up) Peace be with 
you. Farewell. {exit Abbe o. in r. 

Guill. {sitting l. — aside) I've made an enemy to-night, that's sure. 
But I have upheld my own honor. 



20, WILL-O'-THE-WISP. 

Marienne. (r.) Father ! 

Guill. (l.) Well, what is it? 

Marienne. When are we going to have the wedding? 

( Guillaume tuvns around and faces her 

Guill. (l.) So you've come around at last, have you ? 

Marienne. The sooner the better I say. What do you think of next 
week? 

Guill. {rising, comes c.) Give me your hand, dame. You're the best 
woman in the world — hem — when you listen to reason. 

Marienne, I pronyse you, Guillaume, always to do so from this day. 

Guill. So be it. 

Wipes his mouth and kis.^es her; she begins to clean o^ dishes — he goes back, l. 

Enter Francois d. in f., crosses to fireplace and taking gun comes back to c, as 

if going. 

Quill. Where the deuce af e you going this time of night? 

Francois, (c.) Well, master ranger, I'll tell you, hut it must be wben 
you're alone. 

Guill. (L.) Dame, clear away the things. {Marienne exitf vi. 1 in. ^ with 
tea things) Now for it. 

Francois, (c.) Well, ttien, as I was helping to harness the Mayor's 
horse a short time ago, I think about nine o'clock; I heard the report of ft 
gun, which I instantly recognized as Bernard's. 

Guill. (l.) Bernard's 1 What the deuce could he be shooting this time 
o' night? 

Francois, (c.) I am positive it was his gun, for you know be uses 
leatl^^r wads, and that gives a peculiar sound to the report. 

Gkiill. What can it mean ? 

Francois. I am at loss to know. {crosses to fireplace^ B» 

Guill. (l.) Hush! I bear footsteps! 

Melchair. {without) Oh, lor'! Oh, lor* I 

Enter Melchair d. in p., biscuit in his hand, his mouth fuH, and very muMih 
frightened; comes down o, 

Melchair. Oh, lor'! Oh, dear! 

Guill. (l.) What's the matter ? 

Melchair. (c.) I was sitting down on the stile, trying to enjoy a qttiel 
mouthful, when — whieh! FizI Something all white bounded by me. 

Guill, A cow, I presume. 

Melchair. Oh, no ! it was a witch or a ghost — I didn't stop to look, for it 
followed me all the way heme ! Oh, lor' ! 

Guill. (l.) Cowftrdly fool I Go to your supper ! 

Melchair. (c.) Supper! That's the best word I've heard in a fortnight. 
{knock at d. m f.) Oh, lor' ! here's the witch, which I don't wan't to see. 
I'm off! {exit extravagantly, L. 1 ■. 

Thellier. {without) Father Guillaume ! Father Guillaume 1 

Be- enter Marienne, b. 1 ■. 

Marienne, (r.) Who is that calling you, father, at this time ? 

( Guillaume goes up and opens door 

Enter Thellier, she comes down r., Marienne places a chair for her r. 1 k. 

Thellier. (r.) Good morning to you all. I am out of breath, for I ran 
all the way from the prince's fountain. 

Guill. (l.) What brought you out so late. Dame ? 

Thellier. Well then, you must know it i« your Bernard who sent me. 

All. Bernard? 

Tltellier. Yes, Bernard. He came in looking like a ghost. He called 
for wine, but instesii of pouring it in a cup he placed the bottle to his lips 
and drank. 



WILL-O'-THE-WISP. 21 

Mnritnne. (r.) Did he Bay anything ? 

The^ker. He said : "Dame Thellier go to my father's house and tell 
Florine I will write to her." 

Guill. and Marienne. Write to Florine? 

Marienne. I3 that all he said? 

Thellier. Oh, no; there is a little more. When he gave rae a message 
I said : "And to your parents have you no message for them?" 

Guill. (l.) Ah 1 that was right and kind of you, Dame. But what did 
he say ? 

Thellier. (r.) He said "Tell them they will never see me more t" 

Francois, (r. c.) Heavens, the gun I 

Florine. {without) Help! Helpl 

All. Florine I 

The n.iriT. is flung open and Florive, fait and trembling, with dishevcllea 
t hair, staggers in and down k. to Marienne. 

Florine. Murder 1 Murder 1 

Francois, {crossing h.) In heaven's name who has been murdered ? 

Florine. (r.) Louis Chollet! Oh, heavens ! 

Francois, {l.) Who did it? 

Florine. I do not know ! Oh, oh, oh I It was at the prince's fountain, 

Francois. The prinre's fountain I How came you there ? 

Florine. I went to meet Bernard. He sent me a message by Matties. 

Francois. Mattien I Then there must have been murder? 

Guill. (l.) Well you went to the fountain 

Florine. Yes, thinking to meet Bt-rnard, but instead of him walked into 
the arms of Louis Chollet. I recognized him instantly, and saw that I had 
been decoyed into a meeting with him. I drew back, and was about to cry 
for help, when there was a flash — a report — and Louis Chollet threw up 
his hands and fell lifeless at my feet. 

Francois. A loud report ! {to Gxtillaume) It must have been the one I 
heard. 

Florine. (b.) But oh ! father, where is Bernard T 

Mattien springs into toindow, h. 

Mattien. (l.) I know where Bernard is. He's in prison — they've just 

arrested him. 

Marienne. Arrested? My child, my child 1 

Florine. It is as I feared. 

Guill. Tell us all you know. {seizes Mattien 

Mattien. They say there was the report of a gun ; and it appears that 
Monsieur Chollet has been shot; but the Gen. D'Armes who were return- 
ing from the fete of Corey, when they heard it, remembered having seen 
Bernard rushing along the road, so they put spurs to their horses and 
gallopedafter him. When they overtook him they arrested him and carried 
him oflF. 

Florine. Where? 

Mattien. How should I know? Where they take all murderers, I sup- 
pose. 

Guill. (l.) Francois, you think you beard the sound of Bernard's gun? 

Francois, (l.) I am sure of it. 

Gvill. (l.) Bernard commit a murder? Impossible! 

Francois. Give me but ten minutes and I'll tell you if he did. 

Francoii epens d. in f., is met on the threshold by the Abbe, he bows to 

him and exit D. in F. 

Marienne. Oh, Monsieur L'Abbe. 

Abbe, {comes down l.) I knew you were in trouble and I came. 
Marienne. Oh, monsieur, it is my fault — all my fault. 
Abbe, (l.) Guillaunie, the poor boy said : "On your head be the con- 
sequences." And on your head have they fallen. 



S2 WILL-O'-THE-WISP. 

GuiU. (l.) Are you too going to think him guilty? 

Abbe. That has yet to be seen. 

Florine. He guilty? Never 1 Though all the world pronounce him so 
I'll not believe it, but will show them, the depth and purity of a woman's 
love. 

Jtaison. (without) Haiti 

Abbe. They are here 1 

JSnter liaison d. in p., he comes down l. c. Enter Bernard in the custody of 
two Gen. D'Armes, he comes c. 

Raison. (l. c.) Monsieur Watrou, you had forbidden me your house, 
but under existing circumstances you must, if you please, excuse my com- 
ing in. 

Marienne. My boy, ray boy ! 

Guill. (l.) Stop, woman ! 'Ere you use that term of endearment let us 
first know whether it is our boy or an assassin we look upon, {to liaison) *•' 
Monsieur, I ask your permission to speak a few words to — to your prisoner. 

liaison. You have it, monsieur. 

Guill. Bernard Watrin, in the presence of this woman, who is your 
mother} in the presence of this girl, who is your affianced wifej in the 
presence of the priest who baptised you ; I, your father, who have brought 
you up to love and speak the truth, I ask you as you will be asked there, — 
{points up) — are you guilty or innocent of the crime laid to your charge? 
Take time — weigh well your words, and look me squarely in the face. 

{Bernard raises his head and looks Guill. in the face — slight ] ause 

Bernard. Father, I am innocent! 

Guill. God bless you, my boy, for you are innocent. 

Bernard, (c.) As for the proof of that innocence, He will send it in hig 
own time ; let the justice of man take its course I 

Florine. (r.) My noble Bernard, I was sure it was not your hand that 
fired that terrible shot in the dark. 

Bernard (coldly) Mademoiselle Florine Diano, I have a question to ask 
you 

liaison, (l. c.) This is all very well, but if he really did commit the 
crime you don't think he would be fool enough to proclaim it on the house- 
tops, do you ? 

Bernard, (c.) I will speak the truth at all hazards. Monsieur L'Mayor. 
I tell it, not only to you, but to those who love me. Yes, I was tempted to 
kill Monsieur Chollet; yes, father, when I saw Florine approach the spot 
where he was waiting for her, I put my gun to my shoulder and took aim, 
but as I was about to pull the trigger God had mercy on me, and resisting 
the temptation I threw the gun from me snd rushed madly from the spot. 
Not because I bad committed a crime but because I was afraid I should 
commit one. And as I fled I was arrested. 

Ratson. Produce the gun. (o Gen. D'Arme shows Bernard's gun) Po 
you know this gun ? 

Bernard. Yes, it is mine. 

Raison. It has one barrel loaded, and one discharged, and was found at 
the foot of the rock by the prince's fountain. 

Bernard. It was there I threw it from me. 

Mattien. (l.) If you please, your worship, I've something to say that 
may prove poor Monsieur Bernard's innocence. Perhaps, if you were to 
try to find the wadding that was in the charge you would see the shot was 
not fired from his gun, for he uses pieces of punched out leather for wad- 
ding instead of paper, 

Raison. You hear. Gen. D'Arraes, let the gun wadding be looked for? 

Mattien. Then there is another thing that might prove his innocence. 

Raison. Well, go on. 

Mattien. Why, this morning as Monsieur Bernard was loading his gun 
to go and shoot the boar, he showed me that he had marked the balls with 
a cross. 



WILL-O'-THE-WISP. n 

Raison. (l. c.) Prisoner, are these two statements correct? 

Bernard, (c.) They are. 

Raison. My duty theu is plain. Gen. D'Armes, take away the prisoner. 

{Gen. D^Armes advance 

Marienne. My boy, my boy, Avill they take hina away? 

Raison. Certainly. 

Florine. But indeed, indeed he is innocent. 

Raison. My good girl, I have a duty to perform. He must go. 

Bernard. Farewell, my father. Farewell, my mother. 

Florine. And to me, Bernard; do you not say farewell to me? 

Bernard. Florine, perhaps the last hour before I die I may forgive you, 
now I cannot. 

Florine. (r.) Ungrateful Bernard. 

Marienne. (k.) My son, forgive me before you go. {kneels before him 

Bernard, (c.) Mother, I have done so long ago, and when I die my last 
words will be for you and father. 

Francois enters d. in r. and comes down r. c. 

Marienne. Oh, Francois, they are taking him to prison. 

Raison. Are we waiting for Monsieur Francois orders ? Gen. D'Armes, 
your duty. 

Francois, (r. c.) One moment, I have a word to say. 

Raison. Keep it until to-morrow. 

Francois. But it won't keep. 

Raison. This is no time for trifling; we want positive evidence. 

Francois. Then you must listen to me, for the evidence I bring is posi- 
tive! 

Abbe, (c.) Monsieur Kaison, in the name of the law I demand that you 
delay. 

Raison. (l. c.) I see no reason for delay. Ihere ia a dead body which 
calls for justice, and here is the assassin. 

Francois, (r. c.) There may be an assassin, but there is no dead body. 

All. ]No dead body? 

Raison. {aside) Destruction, {aloud) What do you mean? 

Francois. I mean that Monsieur Chollet was struck by the ball; that 
he fainted from the violence of the blow; but the ball encountered a purse 
of gold in his breast pocket, and did no further injury. 

Florine. Then he is not dead? 

Francois. Not at the present speaking. 

Raison. No matter, there was an intent to kill — it is all the same. 

Francois. I never said it wasn't. 

Raison. What do you want to come to then ? 

Francois. Now for it. Well, Bernard came to Dame Thellier's inn in a 
state of great agitation; he took long strides, he struck his gun on the 
table, and, I suppose, called for wine. It is not difficult to find his foot- 
prints, as they are an inch deeper than any others. Well then. Monsieur 
Chollet came on horseback, he tied his horse some thirty paces from the 
inn, and when he passed where Bernard was concealed behind a tree he 
must have lost something, and looked for it with a candle, for there are 
spots of tallow on the ground. After he had found what he had lost he 
went to the prince's fountain, stood there awhile, then took three steps for- 
ward, was struck by the ball and fell. 

Raison. To-morrow I will have the ball and wadding looked for. 

Francois, You need not, I have them both. But that is not all, Mon- 
sieur Chollet has been robbed as well as shot. 

Florine. (r.) Which clearly proves Bernard's innocence. 

Raison. (sarcastically) Well, then. Monsieur Francois, who is the 
thief? 

Francois. Ah ! that is beyond me. All I can say is, in running from 
the mound to the prince's fountain he stumbled over a rabbit burrow and 
sprained his left ankle. {Maiden starts 



24 WILL-O'-THE-WISP. 

Guill. (l.) Then if he is lame he can't have run away? 

Francois, (r. c.) He didn't try to run away. He went quietly to a spot 
near here, and buried the inoney. You may easily know the place, it is 
the foot of the old birch trt'C. {Mattien ^ttCrts, and creeps inward the window 

Raison. {sarcasti'cally) Monsieur, yon are quite a lerretj and would do the 
government serv ice as such. Well, where did he go then? 

Francois. Ah! there's an*'iend to my story 5 he went on the high road, 
and that you know, is paved. 

Raison. Did you bring. the money? 

Francois. No ; I thought it was better to go to the place with the strong 
arm of the law. And as the thief hasn't the least idea I know the hiding 
place, we shall get it in good time. 

Mattien. (l.) Will you? We shall see! 

{shakes k's fist at Francois and drops out of window, L., 

Raison. (l. c.) Have you finished? 

Francois, (a. c.) Pretty nearly ; what would you say if I were to tell 
you I know the real assassin ? Suppose for instance, I were to tell you, he 
was in this room a short time ago- 

Florine. {nervously) If so wilt he not escape ? 

Francois. Aye, but suppose I had put Robinean and Melchair, down by 
the birch tree, and at the very moment the thief puts his hand on the 

fold, they will put their hands on him ! (pointing out of window^ l.,) And 
y St. Herbert they have done it! 

JEnier Mdchair and Robinean holding Mattien, d. f., who has Ghollefs purse 
in Ms hand, they come, r. c, cast him c. 
Mattien. {off his guard) Oh! my ankle! 
Francois, (l. c.) There gentlemen, stands the self-accused assassin! 

(music — chord 
Melchair. (r. c.) Yes ; and he was trying to bolt with my supper, come 
Robinean let us have a drink together! 

{exit Melchair and Robinean, t>. in f., 
Mattien. (of.) The game is up, and you hold the winning card ! Yes; 
I did the deed ; but as the Parisian is not dead, you see its only ten years 
in the galleys, and that won't kill me! 

Raison. (l. c) You are mistaken; you meant to kill! The law says, 
"imprisonment for life!" {Mattien starts, horrified 

Mattien. Oh, heaven! Imprisonment for life ! Well, Monsieur, {mov- 
ing towards window) You may imprison me; but first — ha! ha !— you 
must catch me ! 

Music — hurry, till shots "fired, Mattien bounds toward the window, l., and 

springs out. 
Raison. (l. 0.) Pursue! fire upon him ! 

( Gen. D Armes rushes out, d. in v., shots fired without — music ceases 
Bernard, {up stage) Oh ! I see it all now, how blind I have been, how 
blind I have been ! Florine, can you forgive me for my cruel suspicions ? 
Florine. (r.) Aye Bernard, and love you still the same. 
Bernard. True hearted Florine 1 

He extends his arms, and she falls weeping on his breast, 0., plaintive musie 

till curtain. 

Enter the two Gen. D'' Armes with Mattien, d. in f., his shirt open, showing 
his breast on which there is a shot wound, he staggers to c. 

Bernard, (l.) Great heaven I He is shot! Cannot something be done? 

Mattien. (c.) Too late, too late, it has gone home I {kneels at Bernard's 
feet) 1 have been the curse of you all, but Monsieur Bernard, forgive as 
the great Master in heaven forgives, the unlucky "shot in the dark !" 

Springs to his feet, presses the wound; gazes fixedly for a moment, and then 
toith a moan falls dead. 

PICTURE— SLOW CURTAIN. 






AMES' PLAYS-Continued. 



wo. M, r. 

<l!» Mother's Fool, farce, -• act, by W. Henri Wil'<i>i9 6 1 

] Mr..' Mrs. Pringle. tarce. 1 acr, by Do 1 T. De Treiiba Coeio 7 i 

'W My lleari's ill tlie iligUlaiKU. farfii, I act 4 3 

'I'i My Wife's Relations, comedie'ta. 1 ;ict, bv Walter Gordo'n 4 4 

'.)" No (. iir ■ No Pay. Ethiopian raree. 1 .ict. l)y G. W. II Gr.tHn 3 i 

()l Not as IXnif as lie Seeni<. Ethiopian farce' 1 act 2 

r-rr Not ><> had After All. comedy, 3 acts, by Wyhert Reeve 6 5 

44 Oliedieiue, Cuniediett-i. I act, bv Il:itt'e L. t''''i''la 1 -2 

81 Old Pali'- Birlliday, drama, -2 acts, by J. P. Wooler 5 -2 

.i"{ On tile SIv, farce, 1 act. by Jolm Madison Morton 8 2 

I(i3 Otinr Peoi)K^\s Children, kthiopian farce. 1 et, by A. N. Field '. 3 2 

IJ'i Our D ui:^ iters, .society comedy, 4 acts, by i«^'ed L. Cireeawood. ..... B <> 

8.') ODtcasl's Wife, drama. 8 act.s. oy Co+in il. Ilazehvood !•> :j 

s:^ Out OM the World, drama, 3 acts 5 4 

^\ Our in tbc Streets, temperance drama. ;^ acts, by S. N. Oook (5 4 

5T P.ddy Miles' Boy, Irish farce, 1 act. by .lames Pili^'rim 5 i 

ij.) {'aintl-r of Ghe t", play, 1 act, I'y Doiti^lass .Jcrrohi J 5 -i 

D-t Pa-;--ioii-, comedy, 4 acts by F". Marmadiiki- Dey 8 4 

IS Poaclier's Duom, iiomestic dram , :i acts, by A. D. vnies #8 --^ 

^\ K'-'<eue(!, te:iiperance dram:i, '.i <ict>, :>y C. ll. Gili)ert .^ 3 

] U) livVfr-e -, domestic <irama. 5 acts, l)y ., Newton Field 12 (1 

4.T lk>ck Allea theorphaD, drama, 1 act. by v\'. llL-iiri Wilkiiis 5 ;i 

W) Rooms to Let without Board, Kthiopi;in farce, 1 'ict ..1 2 I 

.")■» Saved, temjjeraiice sketch, 1 act, by Edwin Taidy 2 3 

4S Scimaiis, iMUch farce. 1 act, by M.'A. D. Giill'ton 1 1 

1 IT chool, Ethiopian farce. 1 act, by A. Newton F, eld 5 

1 .") S. H. .\. M. Pinafore, bnilesqii."'! act by W. Henri Wilkins 5 3 

.5 S^jiiicb/dy's Nooody, farce, 1 aer, liy 0. A. iMahby 3 2 

91 Sixteen Thousand Years ■jro. El hiojjian farce, 1 act 3 

'Ih Si)ort with a Sportsman, Ehiopian farce, 1 act [ 2 

7!» >py of All ma. military allegory, (i acts, by A. D. A:nes, 25 cents... 14 3 

92 Stage Strnck D.irkey, Ethiopian farce, 1 act 2 1 

10 Stocks Up, Stocks ]1.)wn, Ethiopian farce, 1 act 2 0- 

Vyl Ten Nijjhts in a Bar Roo :?. temperance drahva, 5 acts 7 3 

()4 T'i:it iVoy Sam, Ethiopian farce, 1 act, by . L. C'ntl r 3 1 

40 That Myst rioii- Bniidle, farce, 1 a; t. I>y II. L Lambla 2 2 

38 The liewitc'ied Closet, sketch, 1 act, by II. I.. La iibia. 5 2 

57 Tiio r.iter Hit, comedy, 2 acts, by Barham Liviiis 5 2 

1 1 The Cominj^ .Mm, farce, I act. by W. Henri Wilkins 3 l 

»)7 The F ilse Friend, drama, C acis, by Geoiiic s. VitiiTrot G 1 

'.»7 1 he Fatal 1 iw, me.odiama. 2 act-, i>y Edward Fit/.ball 7 i 

1 10 The Forty-Niners. n- Tne Pioneer's Daughter, border drama, 5 acts, 

l>y T. \V. Hanshow 10 4 

',)3 Tho Gentleman in lilack. drama, 2 acts, liy W. II. Murray 9 4 

:;2 Tm'- New .Magdalen, drama, pro. 3 acts, by A. Newton Field 8 3 

US The Popcorn .Man, Etliiopian f.uce. 1 act. by A. Newtnn Field 3 1 

71 Tne Reward of < rime, drama, 2 act<. by WT Hi-iui > ilkiiis 5 3 

K; 'I he -erf. trauedy, 5 acts, by R. 'i'albot *. G 3 

(;8 Tiie Sham Professor, f.iice. 1 act, by F. L. Cutler 4 Q 

G 'IMie Studio, Etliiopian farce. 1 act 3 

102 Turn. of the Tiiie. Lempciance drama, 3 acts. Ity W. Henri VN'ilkin-.. 7 4 

."il Tiie I'wo J . J's, fare , 1 act. by Mar.in Beeclier..". 4 2 

7 T!>e Vow of the Ornani. drama', 3 acts, by J. N.*Gotthold 8 1 

2S Tb riythree 1 ext Biiibday. farce, 1 act, by M. Morton 4 2 

108 Tiij.-^e Awfnl Boys, Ethiopian farce, 1 act, by A. Newton Fiel 1 5 

().} Tiice Glasses a bay, t.ini)erancc drama, 2 acts, W. Henri W.lkins.. 4 2 

105 Tiiroiigh Snow and Siin>hine drama, 5 acts 6 4 

4 'J'wa.in^s Uovigi l', Et'hopian farce, l act, by A. Newton F.eld 3 1 

5 Wlien \V<»men Wiip. C'lncJiutta, 1 act. by J N. Got hold 3 2 

5(j Wo >ii!g ! nder D flicniiies, fiirce, 1 act, by J. T. Di>ng!a?s 4 3 

. 4! W'li at La.'^t, comedy dranni, 3 act-, by U'ybert Rt-eve 7 3 

7< W'li CI will he Marry, farce, I act. by T.i'omys E. Wilks...., 2 8 

58 Wr.'cked, leiniKM-ance drama -.i act-, by .A. D. Ames 9 3 

111 Vaukee Duelist, farce, 1 att, by A. Newton Field 2" 2 



New Music ! Latest and Best ! 

.4 ITealili t<> Ohb- Hostess. A male quartette, words by W, IJ. 
Spangler, Jr., Music by F. 0. Wilson. This excellent quartette is sure to 
please those who order it, cau be sung iu c<.atuine, or used for a ooucort 
|)iece. Price 40 cents. 

l>ere Vas Eiai lyeedle I>eitelier Osil. A capital Duti'h song for 
111: le voices, wordh by W. H. Spangler, Jr., music by F. O. Wilson. Can be 
xised as a ^o o, or solo and chorus. Is sur j to please all who purchase it. 
Price 30 cents. 

TarsLt riittle .Blnek Miistaelie. — Comi»; Song and chorus, by Jatues 
M. Dow Very taking, and a great success. Price 30 cents. 

Fayette Waltz. — For piano or organ, by Will R. Reynolds. Easy 
an i V. ry pretty. Price 25 cents. 

Wait for the Xurii «>f the Xi<le. — As sung in Wilkins' Drama, 
"The Turn of the Tide." Arranged ms a quartette by Will R.Reynolds. 
Very isuitable for exhibitions, as it is easy, and at the same time very jjleas- 
iug. Prioe 30 cents. 

My rVaiiic Vas Ileinricli flans, — A roaring Dutch Song, words by 
W 11 Spiwigler, Jr., music by F. O, Wilson. This song has made a great 
hit, and is pronounced by both Press and Public the greatest hit of many 
years. Of moderate difficulty. Xo Dutch Comedian can afford to be 
without it. Price 30 cents. 

-m(& 



^^ New Plays Just Issued, f^ 

IXew Tears in ^ew York ; or tlie Cweruian Itaron. An originnl 
Comt dy, in two aett, b\ W. 11. t pangler, Ji . 7 malp, and lemales. Wc» 
believe this to be.. one of (he best nmdern Comedies ever written. There is 
a gieat variety of ciiarjieters, e;ich one entirely different from all the oth- 
rrs. The DuUdunjin is siiniJy immense, and every speech is the signal 
fur a laugh. Ji you liave never read' this play, it will pay you to order a 
a copy. 

A lie T£i<l<len Treasures. A drama in a prologue and lour acts by 
Zella Careo, 4 male and 2 female characters. Amateurs will find this a 
capital play fur their use, and if looking for something suitable will not be 
disappointed. Time of performance, 1 and 3-4 hours. 

Wanted a Ilusbaud. A Dutch Sketch in 1 scene, by F. L. Cutler, 

2 male, 1 femi^le. Very funny. Tinie 20 minutes. 

CnlPs I.ueli An Ethiopian Sketch, by F. L. Cutler, 2 males, 1 fe- 
male. Anotlier of Mr. Cutler's best, y Time 15 minutes. 

Old Ponipey. An Ethiopian Bketch in 1 scene, by F. L. Cutb-r, I 
male, I female. Good cliarjicter for an aged darkey impersonator. Will 
always })lea6e. Time 20 minutes. 

Our I>aiigliters. A^society comedy in fnur actf, hy Freci. L. 
Greenwood '.From the Gern)an) H males, 6 females. Very (deveriy 
shows the foibles of fashionable society, and is a good modern comedy, and 
will please an audience. Costumes mod'ern. Time ot production, 2 Ikhiv*. 

Tlic Iiniig-i';int's I>aujs;liter. A thrilling border drama in 

3 acts, by Leu. Ellsworth Tilden, 8 male, 3 fen)ale charjicters. A play 
which will please any audience, ^""he best border drama ever written. 
Time about 2 hours. 

All the above Plays 16 cents each, unless markel otherwise. 

AddroeP, A. D. AME,^. Pub!i=;hor, 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 




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